Special Education Teacher

Job Title: Special Education Self-Contained Teacher

FLSA Status: Exempt 

Days of Work: 190 

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GENERAL SUMMARY 

To provide high-quality, individualized instruction and support to students with disabilities in a self-contained classroom setting. The teacher is responsible for creating a structured, supportive, and safe learning environment that addresses students' academic, behavioral, functional, communication, and social-emotional needs while promoting independence and progress toward Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Other duties may be assigned.)

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Valid South Carolina teaching certificate with appropriate certification in Special Education, or eligibility for appropriate certification.
3. Knowledge of special education laws, regulations, IEP requirements, and instructional practices for students with disabilities.
4. Ability to provide differentiated and specially designed instruction based on individual student needs.
5. Knowledge of positive behavior supports, classroom management, and progress-monitoring practices.
6. Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with students, parents/guardians, administrators, teachers, related service providers, and other staff.
7. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the District may find appropriate and acceptable.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

The Special Education Self-Contained Teacher shall:

1. Plan and provide specially designed instruction based on each student's individual needs, abilities, and IEP.
2. Develop, implement, monitor, and maintain legally compliant IEPs in accordance with federal and state requirements and District procedures.
3. Provide instruction in academic, functional, behavioral, communication, social, and independent living skills as appropriate to student needs.
4. Adapt curriculum, instructional materials, assessments, and learning activities to provide students meaningful access to instruction.
5. Collect and maintain data to monitor student progress toward IEP goals and use the data to adjust instruction and interventions.
6. Develop and implement appropriate behavior supports and behavior intervention plans when required.
7. Maintain a structured, safe, positive, and supportive classroom environment.
8. Provide accommodations, modifications, assistive technology, and other supports identified in students' IEPs.
9. Participate in IEP meetings, eligibility meetings, reevaluations, manifestation determination reviews, transition planning, and other required special education meetings.
10. Maintain accurate and confidential student records and complete required special education documentation within established timelines.
11. Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding student progress, needs, and concerns.
12. Collaborate with general education teachers, related service providers, administrators, school psychologists, behavior specialists, nurses, and other personnel involved in supporting students.
13. Provide direction, guidance, and support to paraprofessionals assigned to the classroom and ensure they understand student needs, classroom procedures, and assigned responsibilities.
14. Support students with personal care, mobility, feeding, toileting, or other functional needs when required by the student's educational program, while following applicable District procedures and student plans.
15. Implement health, safety, behavior, and emergency procedures specific to individual students as required.
16. Promote student independence, self-advocacy, appropriate behavior, communication, and participation in the school community.
17. Facilitate opportunities for students to participate with nondisabled peers and in the least restrictive environment as appropriate and consistent with each student's IEP.
18. Maintain appropriate classroom materials, adaptive equipment, instructional resources, and supplies.
19. Participate in professional development, faculty meetings, parent conferences, and other school and District activities as required.
20. Maintain professional conduct and comply with District policies and procedures and applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
21. Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal, Superintendent, or designee.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The employee must possess knowledge of special education instructional practices, IEP development and implementation, behavior management, progress monitoring, and differentiated instruction. The employee must be able to work effectively with students who have a wide range of academic, behavioral, communication, physical, and functional needs and collaborate effectively with families and multidisciplinary teams.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, which may include prolonged standing and walking; bending, stooping, reaching, and kneeling; assisting students with mobility and personal care needs; and lifting or physically assisting students when necessary and consistent with appropriate safety procedures. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

190-day certified position. Salary and work year will be established by the Jasper County School District Board of Trustees in accordance with the approved salary schedule.

EVALUATION

Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with Jasper County School District policies, procedures, and applicable South Carolina requirements for certified personnel.

Education and Experience: 

A Bachelor's Degree or higher. South Carolina Teacher's Certificate with the appropriate endorsement. Must be able to effectively teach and communicate with students, staff and parents. Must demonstrate a passion for teaching and learning.  

Knowledge: 

Knowledge of the policies, procedures and activities of the school District which pertain to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position; knowledge of the methods for developing lesson plans, selecting instructional materials and classroom activities which stimulate inquiry and curiosity in the learner; knowledge of the records, forms and reports which must be prepared and maintained; knowledge of proper maintenance of equipment, materials and supplies used in daily activities. Knowledge of counseling methods necessary for handling student academic and behavioral problems.

Skills/Effort: 

Ability to provide instruction to students through explanation, demonstration and/or supervised practice; ability to supervise students and maintain order in the classroom and all school settings; to operate general office equipment in the performance of daily activities; ability to prepare lesson plans, assessments, and instructional materials for classroom activities; ability to identify student behavioral and/or academic problems, provide counseling and/or recommend appropriate remedial action to parents; ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, District staff, and all other groups involved in the activities of the job; strong interpersonal and communication skills required. 

Working Conditions: 

 Classroom environment with limited exposure to environmental conditions; physical demands are restricted to classroom work requiring the lifting/moving of items weighing up to ten pounds; occasional local travel is required; occasional overnight travel may be required. 

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT 

This job description is not intended as a complete listing of job duties. The incumbent is responsible for the performance of other related duties as assigned/required. 

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